Scoop Block

From TurboCASH Wiki

The Scoop Block

This is called a SCOOP Block, stolen from how we train Offensive Linemen. This is one of around 10 blocks that every forward or player entering the ruck should know. It is a combat area and key to winning the game of rugby. It takes a lot of one on one coaching effort, but the end result is a thing of beauty. Usually this is only appreciated by the perpetrator, his coach and the victim. The Fans mostly miss this one, but the effect is games won and that is the aim after all.

The scenario here is I am second man to arrive at the maul, I am playing "fetcher". The play is drifting to my right:

1. My head is up and my eyes are OPEN and focused on the Defender, I am NOT looking for the ball.

1. My back is concave and strong.

1. My hips are lower than his (Tall guys find defense difficult). My Blow is comming UPWARDS. My feet on the ground, his go off the ground.

1. Easy alternative - My next step is with the inside right leg (my Power step ) over the ball and into his ribs with the right shoulder.

The above gets you to the same level as the All Blacks. -

Now lets go further

5) This is why I train Bench and cleans - to get strong wrists. Notice my left hand -it is Open. I have a relaxed but exact grip on his pelvis (its the lever where you grab your girlfriend on the way down) - My next step is to bring my right hand over to the left hand or onto his ribs. I am going to hit him with a short sharp punch (kung fu style) it is going to rock him backwards and kid you not should put him onto his arse.

Here is the best part ...

It is going to "bounce" me off to the left (Newtons 3rd law of motion) I am going to step facing left in the perfect hitting position and I am going to take the next defender to arrive (not in picture), comming from the left - Viola! I double team two of their first defenders to arrive! This frees my Ball carrier to continue towards their line.

OK lets get really nasty -

My right hand blow can be Either a short sharp jab upwards and into his Lymph gland under the arm, or a downward claw jamming my middle finger into his clavicle, if this is too sophisticated for you, I grab his fat tits and twist his nipples off -either way he loses all attention to making the tackle .